How VISU Rewards Work: Complete User Guide [2026]

You just scanned a VISU QR code at a coffee shop and earned 50 points. Now you are staring at the app wondering: What do I do with these points? How does this actually work? And most importantly, is this actually worth my time or is it just another digital gimmick?

I had the exact same questions 6 months ago when I first downloaded the app. The interface looked interesting, but the mechanics were slightly confusing compared to standard survey apps. It took me about a week of trial and error to really 'get it' and understand the earning loops. This guide is exactly what I wish I had read on Day 1. VISU was even featured in our comprehensive guide to apps that pay real money, which initially caught my attention.

By the end of this extensive 15-minute read, you will understand exactly how VISU works from the moment you download it to the moment you cash out your first reward. I will walk you through all seven methods for earning points (some of which are hidden), show you what rewards you can actually redeem, and provide realistic earnings expectations based on my personal data spanning six months of daily use.

This is not a sales pitch designed to get you to download the app regardless of fit. I will be brutally honest about the downsides, the limitations, and who should probably skip VISU entirely. If the app is not right for your lifestyle or location, I will say so directly. My goal is complete transparency so you can make an informed decision about investing your time in learning this platform.

The Core Concept: Understanding Phygital Rewards

Before we click buttons, we need to understand the philosophy behind the app. VISU is not a "click-to-earn" app where you watch ads at home on your couch. It is a "Phygital" (Physical + Digital) platform.

The Value Exchange:
Brands are desperate for foot traffic. They want real people walking into their stores, attending their events, and trying their products. Digital ads on Facebook and Google are losing effectiveness because people ignore them or use ad blockers. The cost to acquire a customer online has skyrocketed.

VISU solves this problem by paying YOU for your physical presence. The QR code is the "Proof of Attendance." When you scan it, you are verifying to the brand: "I am here, I am paying attention, and I am engaging with your space." That attention is valuable currency. Unlike traditional advertising models where Mark Zuckerberg keeps all the ad revenue, VISU ensures that value is transferred directly to you in the form of points.

VISU Glossary: Terms You Need to Know

To navigate the app like a pro, you need to speak the language. Here is the official terminology you will encounter inside the app:

• Campaign: A specific promotion run by a brand (e.g., "Summer Coffee Dash"). A single brand can have multiple active campaigns at once.
• Mission: The specific task required to earn points within a campaign (e.g., "Scan 3 times" or "Post a photo").
• Drop: A limited-time, high-value reward release. Drops usually have a limited quantity (e.g., "First 50 people").
• Cooldown: The mandatory waiting period before you can scan the same QR code again. This prevents spamming. Standard cooldown is 24 hours.
• Streak: Consecutive days or weeks of activity. Maintaining a streak often applies a multiplier to your base points.
• Geo-Fence: The invisible GPS perimeter around a store. You must be physically inside this circle for the scanner to activate.
• Phygital: The blend of physical location and digital reward. This is the core category of the VISU app.

Step 1: Download & Strategic Setup

Download Process: VISU is available on both iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The app is approximately 50MB and completely free. There are no monthly subscriptions, premium tiers, or hidden fees to start earning.

Critical Permissions Explained

Many users deny app permissions out of habit to protect privacy, but doing so effectively breaks VISU. Here is why you need to enable them:

1. Location (While Using): MANDATORY.
The app checks your GPS coordinates to verify you are actually at the store. This is the anti-fraud mechanism. If you deny this, the "Scan" button will be grayed out and you cannot earn. VISU does not track your location when the app is closed.

2. Camera Access: MANDATORY.
This is needed to read the QR codes. The in-app scanner is faster and more secure than your native camera app, and it connects directly to the verification server.

3. Notifications: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Flash campaigns (e.g., "2x Points for the next hour at Starbucks") are sent via push notification. If you disable this, you will miss the high-value drops and only see the standard evergreen campaigns.

4. App Tracking (iOS): OPTIONAL.
VISU does not sell your personal data to third parties. Enabling this helps with ad personalization if you engage with third-party offers, but enabling or disabling this does not affect your earning potential.

Step 2: Discovering Campaigns (The Map Strategy)

The default screen when you open the app is the Discovery Map. This is your command center.

Decoding the Pins

Not all pins are created equal. The color system helps you prioritize your route:

• 🔴 Red Pins (Hot Zones): These are high-value campaigns (500+ points) or "Drops". They are usually limited by quantity or time. You should prioritize these above all else.
• 🟡 Yellow Pins (Standard): Regular partner locations (100-500 points). These are the bread and butter of the app. Good for building your daily balance.
• 🟢 Green Pins (Quick): Low value (<100 points) but usually require zero effort (just scan, no mission). Good for maintaining daily streaks.
• 🟣 Purple Pins (Events): Special events like festivals, conferences, or pop-up markets. These are "Jackpots" often containing multiple scanning stations in one small area.

Step 3: The Scanning Process

You have arrived at the location. Now what? Here is the technical workflow of a successful scan.

1. Locate the Code: Look for the distinctive VISU signage. Common spots are table tents (restaurants), register counters (retail), window stickers (cafés), or posters (events). It will always say "Scan with VISU" or have the VISU logo.

2. Launch Scanner: Tap the big central button in the navigation bar. Do NOT use your phone's native camera app or a generic QR reader. You must use the VISU in-app scanner.

3. Verification Handshake: When the camera reads the code, the app performs a digital "Handshake". It checks three things in milliseconds:
- Is the code valid and active?
- Is the user's GPS location matching the store's coordinates?
- Has this user scanned this specific code too recently (Cooldown)?

4. The Reward: Once verified, you get instant feedback. The phone will vibrate (haptics) and an animation will play on screen. The points are added to your "Pending" balance immediately and usually move to "Available" within seconds.

Step 4: Mission Types (Deep Dive)

VISU is gamified. It is not just "scan and leave". Brands want engagement, so they create different types of missions. Here are the 6 types you will encounter:

1. Instant Win (The Slot Machine)

Mechanic: Scan code -> Spin Wheel -> Win Prize.
Best For: Quick dopamine hits.
Typical Reward: 10 to 1,000 points (Random).
Example: A burger chain offers a "Lunchtime Spin". You scan the code at the table while waiting for your food. You spin the digital wheel and win 50 points instantly.

2. Progressive Check-In (The Loyalty Card)

Mechanic: "Visit 3 times this month."
Tracking: Scan 1 (1/3) -> Scan 2 (2/3) -> Scan 3 (3/3 + Jackpot).
Strategy: Choose locations you naturally visit (e.g., your morning coffee spot). Do not go out of your way for these unless the final reward is massive. The progress is tracked automatically.

3. Social Proof (The Influencer)

Mechanic: Scan code -> "Post a story and tag @brand".
Verification: You upload a screenshot or link your Instagram/TikTok account.
Typical Reward: High (200-500 points) because it involves public endorsement.
Example: A clothing store wants visibility. You scan the code in the fitting room, take a selfie with the outfit, and post it. VISU verifies the tag and awards you bonus points.

4. Purchase Verification (The Receipt)

Mechanic: "Buy $20, Scan Receipt".
Technology: VISU uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read the receipt date, total, and store name.
Best For: Grocery shopping or clothes shopping.
Example: You buy groceries. The app asks you to take a photo of the slip. The AI reads "Total: $45.00" and awards you 450 points (10 points per dollar).

5. Scavenger Hunts (The Adventure)

Mechanic: "Find 5 hidden codes in this mall."
Reward: Very High (1,000+ points).
Context: Usually run during grand openings or festivals. You have to physically walk around and find codes hidden in different departments.

6. Referral Missions (The Network)

Mechanic: "Invite a friend."
Condition: The friend must actually complete a scan. You don't get paid just for signups (to prevent bots). This ensures the network grows with real, active users.

The Mathematics of Points & Tiers

To make money, you need to understand the math. Earning points blindly is inefficient.

Base Conversion Rate: Generally, 100 Points ≈ $1.00 USD.
Note: This fluctuates based on the reward type. A $50 Amazon card might cost 5,000 points, but a specific product voucher worth $50 might only cost 2,000 points. Always look for "High Value" redemptions in the store.

The VIP Multiplier Effect

The secret to earning $50/month isn't scanning more, it's scanning better by leveling up your account tier.

Example of the Multiplier: A user scans a "100 Point" code.
- Starter earns: 100 pts ($1.00).
- Elite earns: 150 pts ($1.50).
Over a month, being Elite generates 50% more income for the exact same effort. Prioritize reaching "Regular" status in your first week.

Real Earnings Breakdown (My 6-Month Data)

I tracked every single scan for 6 months to give you an honest answer: How much can you make? I didn't just use the app; I optimized my usage over time.

The "Power User" Path: You will notice a jump in Month 4. That is because I started using the Referral program effectively. The users earning $100+ month are not just scanning. They are Referrers. They invite 3-4 friends a month (which nets ~1,000 points) and they attend every major local event.

Advanced Strategy: The "Triple Dip"

Most beginners make the mistake of using VISU in isolation. The real pros use the "Triple Dip" Strategy to earn 3x the rewards on the same purchase. Here is how it works:

The Scenario: You are buying a $5 Latte at a partner coffee shop.

Dip 1: The Credit Card
Pay with a cashback credit card (e.g., Chase Freedom or Amex).
Result: 3% Cashback ($0.15).

Dip 2: The Store Loyalty
Scan the coffee shop's own app (e.g., Starbucks Rewards).
Result: 10 Stars (Value ~$0.40).

Dip 3: The VISU Scan
Scan the VISU QR code on the table while waiting for your drink.
Result: 50 VISU Points (Value ~$0.50).

Total Value Earned: $1.05 on a $5.00 purchase.
That is a 21% Return on Spend. By layering these apps, you turn a regular transaction into a massive earning event. VISU does not conflict with other loyalty programs; it sits on top of them.

Is It Safe? Security Architecture

A common concern is data privacy. "Is this app tracking my every move?" Let's look at the technical architecture.

1. Geo-Fencing vs. Tracking
VISU uses "Active Geo-Fencing". This means the app only checks your location at the moment you press Scan. It does not record your path, your speed, or where you go when the app is closed. It is a "Ping" system, not a "Tracking" system.

2. Data Anonymity
When you scan a code at "Burger King", VISU tells the brand: "User ID #8492 visited Store #12." It does NOT tell them your name, your email, or your phone number. The brand gets aggregate data ("50 people visited today"), but your personal identity stays encrypted on VISU servers.

3. No Banking Data
Unlike some cashback apps that require you to link your bank account login (plaid), VISU works independently. You don't need to connect your bank. Payouts are sent to your email (Gift Cards) or via PayPal transfer, so your financial credentials are never at risk.

User Profiles: Which One Are You?

I have interviewed dozens of users. Here are the three most common profiles and what they earn:

The Student ("The Grinder")
Habit: Walks everywhere, has lots of free time, loves free food.
Earnings: $60/month. Mainly in food vouchers and coffee.

The Parent ("The Shopper")
Habit: Visits grocery stores and malls weekly. Uses the "Purchase Verification" missions.
Earnings: $45/month. Mainly in Amazon Gift Cards for household items.

The Professional ("The Optimizer")
Habit: Travels for work, eats at restaurants, uses the Triple Dip strategy.
Earnings: $80/month. Uses points for luxury experiences or crypto cash out.

Redemption & Cash Out

You earned the points. Now, how do you get the value? Go to the "Marketplace" tab in the app. VISU offers several ways to cash out.

Types of Rewards:

1. Digital Gift Cards (Most Popular): Amazon, Starbucks, Apple, Google Play, Visa Prepaid. These are delivered instantly to your email. Good as cash.

2. Direct Cashback: PayPal or Venmo transfer. This option usually has a slightly higher "exchange rate" (costs more points) due to processing fees. It takes 1-3 days to hit your account.

3. Product Discounts (High Value): "50% Off at Nike Store" or "Free Burger". These offer the best mathematical value. If you were going to buy shoes anyway, saving $50 using 2,000 points is a steal compared to a $20 gift card.

4. Crypto (Beta): In some regions, VISU allows conversion to stablecoins (USDC). Check your local app settings for availability.

Technical Troubleshooting Guide

Technology isn't perfect. Sometimes you will be standing in a store and the app won't work. Here is how to fix common issues so you don't lose your points:

Issue: "Location verification failed"
Fix: You might be connected to a generic Wi-Fi (like "Starbucks WiFi") that routes your IP address to another city, confusing the GPS. Turn off Wi-Fi and use Mobile Data (4G/5G) to get an accurate GPS lock. Ensure you have a clear line of sight to the sky if possible.

Issue: "Camera won't focus"
Fix: QR codes on glossy paper (like laminated menus) reflect light. Use your hand to cast a shadow over the code to reduce glare. Tap the screen to force focus.

Issue: "Code already scanned"
Fix: Most campaigns have a 24-hour cooldown. You cannot scan the same code twice in one day unless the campaign rules specifically allow "multiple entries". Come back tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VISU completely free?

Yes. VISU makes money by charging brands to host campaigns, not by charging users. There is no "Premium Subscription" to pay for.

How long does it take to earn $50?

Average users reach $50 in about 4-8 weeks. Power users who attend events and refer friends can do it in 2 weeks.

Do points expire?

Yes, points expire after 12 months of inactivity. However, if you scan just ONE code, the timer resets for all your points. Keep your account active!

What if I can't find codes in my area?

VISU is growing fast but relies on brand partners. If your map is empty, try using the VISU Link features to participate in online campaigns, or request VISU at your local stores (we have a referral bonus for onboarding businesses too!).

Conclusion

VISU isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It won't replace your job. But it is one of the few apps that rewards you for living your life rather than staring at a screen. Most apps want to keep you glued to the couch watching ads. VISU wants you to go out, explore your city, and engage with the real world.

If you are already going to coffee shops, malls, and events, you are leaving money on the table by not scanning. With the strategies in this guide, you can easily add $30-$50 a month to your pocket while discovering cool new places.

Welcome to the Phygital Economy.

References

• McKinsey: The Future of Loyalty Programs
• Statista: Mobile App Usage & Rewards